MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
RAF chief calls Falklands defence 'non-negotiable' as Rubio plays down Pentagon memo
The head of Britain's Royal Air Force (RAF), Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, said on Friday that the United Kingdom remains “on high alert and ready” to defend the Falklands “at a moment's notice,” in remarks published by The Times that reaffirm London's military stance on the archipelago following the leak of an internal Pentagon memorandum that considered reviewing US historic support for British sovereignty over the islands. Smyth stressed that the RAF's role in defending the territory was “non-negotiable,” a formulation that reflects the hardening of British military rhetoric in the latest phase of the diplomatic crisis. Read full article
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Disclaimer & comment rulesIt is regrettable that Argentina pursues an illegitimate and unjustified claim of sovereignty. Its politicians have lied about the supposed merits of their claims since the Perón era and are incapable of being honest with their electorate. Argentina will never be a true democracy until it recognizes that only the people of the Falkland Islands can decide who governs them.
May 01st, 2026 - 06:40 pm - Link - Report abuse +3May be one day Argentina will grow up. might take at least 2 more generations,
May 01st, 2026 - 07:34 pm - Link - Report abuse +2Jack, interesting comment re passing generations before reconciliation is achieved. The timescale depends on whether the population really wants to change. De-nazification of Germany took 2, possibly 3 generations, and that with a positive national steer and desire to change. I had the challenge of briefing NATO on the likely time frame for Kosovo to be re-integrated and not divided on ethnic lines. That was thought at lease 2-3 generations, given the Balkan's history (too much of it according to Churchill). Memories are long.
May 02nd, 2026 - 02:09 pm - Link - Report abuse +1However, the populist rhetoric in Argentina demands constant reference to the “illegal occupation” of their territory by a colonial power. Forget the facts and just whip up the anti. There is no measured debate or indeed any other line taken. I agree that restoration of relationships will be >3 possibly 4 generations at the earliest. The involvement of the U.S. does not help.
So be it, and it means the UK will be defending the Falklands for a long time..
Agree pretty much with what you say Vet, time can be a great healer, as the older generation that where around when the war happened dies off. it becomes less important in the minds of the newer generation who just want a prosperous and decent life, their will always be idiotic fanatics around like a few that post on this site, in 2 generations time the Falklands population will have gown enough to be a sovereign nation, i will not be around to see it, but that is my firm belief.
May 02nd, 2026 - 03:12 pm - Link - Report abuse +2Circus after circus. Argentina commits, through its constitution, to resolving differences with the United Kingdom through dialogue and the appropriate international bodies.
May 04th, 2026 - 12:04 pm - Link - Report abuse -2As always, the United Kingdom and its double standards defend Ukraine from Russian occupation while it continues to occupy Argentine territory thousands of miles from its own country.
Double standards ? not remotely the same issue, here you go again twisting this to serve your narrative, the UK has fulfilled its obligation to the UN. it does not occupy Argentine territory and never has, the UP was also thousands of miles away when it tried to annexe the islands, double standards or what ? Argentina stole what is now southern Argentina and colonised it, committing genocide , what differences is their to resolve ? you mean you fanatics want something thats not yours and NEVER has been legally, seek counseling and deprograming asap you have lost the plot,
May 04th, 2026 - 01:17 pm - Link - Report abuse +1Aw, poor little monster Malvi. Why don't you give back the land you seized from Paraguay? I mean after all the rapes your so-called soldiers committed during the occupation of Ascuncion? It's not like anyone is fooled by your attempt portray yourself vaguely humanoid...
May 05th, 2026 - 04:11 pm - Link - Report abuse +1Malv
May 05th, 2026 - 09:53 pm - Link - Report abuse +1But it’s not Argentinian territory and never has been.
That is the difference.
Oh, and it’s not that far away from other BOTs in the S. Atlantic/Antarctic.
Argentina is confined to S. America.
Hey Malvi, here's a little tune for you...
May 05th, 2026 - 10:31 pm - Link - Report abuse 0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgFrs5wxcw0
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